Scrushy faces prison as judge rejects retrial request

HealthSouth founder Richard Scrushy (photo) has lost his bid for a new trial on political corruption charges unrelated to the $2.7 billion accounting fraud problem. Both Scrushy and former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman had been found guilty in June of taking part in a bribery scandal, on charges, including conspiracy and mail fraud, that could land Scrushy in jail for as long as 20 years. However, the two had moved for a new trial, arguing in part that two jurors had inappropriately influenced the rest and that the group had been unduly influenced by a copy of an indictment downloaded from the Internet. Scrushy, who was acquitted last year of criminal fraud charges, plans to appeal the ruling.

To learn more about Scrushy's situation:
- read this Wall Street Journal article (sub. req.)

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